Growing up, I never knew stability. My mother had me when she was 13 years old, and my godmother became my guardian. I moved frequently, living in multiple states, cities, homes, and always attending different schools. But that all changed once I moved back to New Orleans.
I began my 8th grade year, but quickly realized my local public school was not serving my academic needs. I did not feel safe or challenged. Instead, I became fearful, isolated, and I was certainly not growing academically. My sisters have always looked up to me, and they are my guiding force in life. I felt like I was a disappointment to my sisters, like I was letting them down.
My godmother and I began to look for other schooling options for high school. We wanted to find a Catholic school for me, because it matched our personal and spiritual values. My Godmother was a huge motivator in my academic career; she was insistent that I be able to pursue a higher education. Once we found a school that fit those values, the struggle to figure out how to pay for it was at the top of our minds. My godmother learned about a tuition donation credit program that helps students attend private schools.
A few months later, ARETE Scholars awarded me funding through the Louisiana Tuition Donation Credit, to attend St. Katherine Drexel, an all-girls historically Black Catholic school.
It was imperative that I attended a school with people who looked like me. At my new school, I made personal connections with each one of my teachers. I never felt unsafe or invisible. My high school provided me with pride to be a Black and educated young woman.
Because the school was small, I was able to grow closely with the members of my school community. I felt academically challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone. I joined various clubs such as a spoken word poetry club, Future Business Leaders of America, student ambassadors, and so much more. My high school also placed me in advanced honor courses. I also was given the opportunity to start therapy at my school, and I would argue that it saved my life.
Being given the option of school choice has shaped me forever. I found a school that benefited me and prepped me for college. Thanks to ARETE and school choice, I excelled in college. I am now in my graduate program for Mental Health Counseling. School choice taught me the value of advocacy and sparked my interest in my future career. Having the choice to choose your school affords kids from all backgrounds the opportunity to soar in places that fit them.
